7/9/2008 2:14:00 PM Beef Improvement Federation names Great Plains producers as honorees
Kevin and Mary Ann Kniebel from Dwight, Kan. were presented the Commercial Producer Award at the Beef Improvement Federation Annual meeting held in Calgary, Canada recently. Lora Rose, BIF President is shown presenting the award.
Vance and Connie Uden of the TC Ranch in Nebraska were honored to receive this year’s Outstanding Seedstock Producer honor from the Beef Improvement Federation.
Cattlemen from around the world gathered in Calgary June 30-July 3 for the 2008 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Meeting and Research Symposium, "Beef Beyond Borders," hosted by the Canadian Beef Breeds Council.
The yearly event is usually held in the U.S. and is North America's leading forum to showcase and discuss genetic advancements and innovations in beef production. During BIF's 40th anniversary meeting discussion beef production innovations and advancements happening in the U.S. and Canada were shared along with opportunities for the two leading beef producing countries. The event had more than 400 attendees participating from eight countries: Canada, U.S., Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
In addition to the genetic updates and insight into new production strategies and innovations, the BIF gives credit to those in the beef industry who are making an impact through annual awards.
Kniebel Farms & Cattle Company, White City, Kan. was selected as Commercial Producer of the Year. Kevin and Mary Ann, Chuck and Kim and Charles and Mona Kniebel operate a family business including a commercial cow-calf herd, a feedyard and a diversified farming business.
TC Ranch of Nebraska was awarded the Seedstock Producer of the Year Award.
TC Ranch is owned and managed by Vance and Connie Uden and their son Dru.
One of the most progressive beef cattle seedstock operations in the United States, TC Ranch is a family-oriented purebred Angus operation that has been in continuous operation for 58 years. Located in the Republican Valley of South Central Nebraska, the ranch is home to 700 registered Angus cows and 8,000 acres of native grass and irrigated farm land in corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and hay.
The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle and who have had a major role in the acceptance performance reporting and documentation as the primary means to make genetic change in beef cattle populations. Receiving honors this year were Harry Haney, who is considered instrumental in the development of the AI industry in Canada; Don Vaniman, the first Executive Secretary of the American Simmental Association; Louis Taylor Latimer, founder of the Remitall Cattle Co. former Shorthorn and current Hereford and Angus breeder, from Olds, Alberta and Dr. Robert Church of Calgary, a lifetime geneticist, who is internationally known as a leader and expert in transferring the technologies of genetics, biotechnology and molecular biology to the food and fiber industries.
The Canadian Cattlemen Magazine and principals Gren Winslow and Larry Thomas were given the 2008 Ambassador Award. The Ambassador Award recognizes media representatives who have made a major contribution to beef improvement and/or the Beef Improvement Federation.
Canadian Cattlemen Magazine has been serving beef producers since 1938. It began as the official publication of the Western Stock Growers' Association and circulation was expanded across Canada following its purchase by Public Press in 1950. It continues to be the only national magazine serving Canada's beef industry.
Several individuals were recognized for their commitment to the beef industry with the Continuing Service Award. Dale Kelly of the Agricultural, Biotechnology and Food Division of Saskatchewan Research Council; Doug Fee, CEO of the Canadian Aberdeen Angus Association and Duncan J. Porteous, Canadian Hereford Association.
